Sea Cadets from all over the world have descended upon HMS Raleigh this week (Monday 29 to Friday 2 Aug) to take part in a summer training camp.
A group of 44 Sea Cadets from Australia, Belgium. Bermuda, Canada, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and Sweden are taking part in a week long programme of events, using the extensive facilities at HMS Raleigh, while also having a look around the local area.
During the week the Cadets, aged between 15 and 21, took on the challenge of HMS Raleigh’s obstacle and assault courses. They also experienced a fire-fighting demonstration and were shown how sailors are taught other vital skills to deal with emergencies at sea.
Outside of HMS Raleigh the Cadets were given a waterborne tour of Devonport Naval Base from the River Tamar.
They also visited Britannia Royal Naval College, in Dartmouth, where they were given an historical tour and saw how the College continues to provide first-class training for the next generation of Naval leaders.
Nicola Martin, Training Activities Officer for the Marine Society and Sea Cadets said:
“The camp has been running for many years and is held over a three week period in London, Portsmouth and one of the Sea Cadet Training Centres.
“The camp has never been held at HMS Raleigh and the aim was for the cadets to make the most of their time on the base and gain an insight into the opportunities on offer to UK Sea Cadets whilst learning about the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy.
“Overall we wanted to ensure the cadets had a taste of British life and culture whilst also having fun.”
HMS Raleigh regularly hosts events for the Sea Cadets such as swimming galas and drill competitions.
The National Sea Cadet Training Centre provides 19 different residential courses, using the full range of facilities available at HMS Raleigh to teach seamanship, catering, navigation and many other skills.
[mappress] Press Release, August 2, 2013; Image: Royal Navy